THE ATTRIBUTES OF GOD



CASE STUDY NUMBER TWO

THE ATTRIBUTES OF GOD

Reference, Grudem, Chapters 11- 13

1. You are about to tackle a subject which stretches the mind and heart. It is the very nature of God- his character, what he is like, how we should respond to him. Imagine the spiritual risk- if we made it into a test or a quiz about God it could be like an absurd assignment: “Write down 10 reasons why your mother loves you and 10 reasons why you love her.” It would distort what it is to know and appreciate a person. So here’s what may be more meaningful:

A. Gather several hymnbooks, if possible, which you can keep for a month, and which have a topical index in the back. You are going to be checking the index for songs of worship about God.

B. Get a stack of cards on which you can write a Scripture verse or verses on one side with the reference for the verse(s) on both sides of the card. You are going to develop a growing list of Scriptures which speak of God’s attributes, and you are encouraged to try to memorize the verses.

C. While you are working on this case study do not read about more than one attribute of God per day. You will probably take a month or more to get through them all.

D. With each new attribute of God the same steps of response should occur:

1. Read the section in Grudem on only one attribute of God. Sometimes the section is short, and sometimes it goes into more detail.

2. Usually within Grudem’s section you will find a verse or verses which clearly expresses that quality of God. Pick one from within Grudem or use your Bible concordance to pick one with that theme. Write it on one side of a card with the reference on both sides. This is a “lay around” card, for your bathroom mirror or dresser or dashboard or desk. Whenever you see it (with only the reference side up), try to remember the verse or verses. When you have finally remembered it a few times add it to your stack of memorycards.

3. Use your hymnbooks to find a hymn which speaks of that attribute of God which you are considering. It may not be the primary theme of the song, but try to find a reference. You will need to dig around in the topical index. Sing it (if only in your heart) in praise of God.

4. With the Scripture verse, pause to praise God for that attribute, and pray for anything which that attribute brings to mind.

5. Keep a log of the attributes of God: attribute, Scripture to memorize, hymn on that theme, short prayers of praise and petition.

2. The chapters in Grudem are numbers 11, 12 and 13. In chapter 11- pages 156-160 are an introduction. Then the first attribute is “independence” (page 160). There are 5 attributes in chapter 11.

3. There are 13 attributes in Chapter 12, and 7 in Chapter 13. You may want to look at the end of those chapters, where the application questions are focused on the different attributes. Sometimes there are more details about some attributes, but most are discussed in only a few pages for each. Your goal is not to push through material, but to see clearly the many dimensions of the character of God; almost like doing your devotions. At least the hope is that it may be like that for you, and that it may encourage you spiritually.

4. When you are done we hope you will have a log of some 25 attributes, key memory verses, related hymns, and prayers. God bless you in this spiritual adventure.

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